Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Being a Manager at a independent bookstore, I am constantly around books. And I have been noticing more often that I, The Crazy Bookworm judge books by their covers. I know that's a horrible thing to admit...and usually when asked I would say no, because honestly I didn't think I did. But I have here an example for you of how I judge a book by it's cover:

When I first came across this book, I had zero interest in it. The cover didn't grab me, and so I never even read what it was about. Yes, it's true! I didn't even give it a chance. Then the other day I came across it's sequel:

I thought "Ohh this looks interesting, what's it about?". That is when I learned that it was the sequel to The Mockingbirds, which lead me to finally look into that book. I am ashamed that I completely wrote off that book because of it's cover. After reading the synopsis I couldn't wait to read it. So of course, I ordered myself a copy of The Mockingbirds. Eagerly awaiting it's arrival!

So that, my fellow readers and bloggers, is my shameful confession that I judge book's by their covers. But I am going to vow to stop, and give a book a chance, no matter the image on the cover.

Do you judge a book by a cover? And have you ever passed up a great read because of that?﻿

It's 1996, and less than half of all American high school students have ever used the Internet. Emma just got her first computer and an America Online CD-ROM.

Josh is her best friend. They power up and log on--and discover themselves on Facebook, fifteen years in the future.

Everybody wonders what their Destiny will be. Josh and Emma are about to find out.

“I've always protected myself when it comes to love. And maybe that's the problem. By not letting myself get hurt now, it ripples into much bigger pain later.” -Emma
I absolutely loved Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why, and although I haven't had the pleasure of reading Carolyn Mackler's previous work, I have heard fantastic things about her writing, and was thrilled to hear that the two were pairing up for this novel.

What a blast this book was! First of all, the 90's references. It brought me back to those simpler times when I used to curl up with my YM Magazine while listening to Boyz to Men. Those references gave me a special connection to the book. Although I wasn't the same age as Emma was in 1996(I was 9) I could relate to her on a stronger level than I have with other female characters.

The unique concept of this book was what initially grabbed my attention. In a time where the world is so reliant on Social Media, this book definitely makes you wonder what things would be like without it. And if we had the ability to see our 'Future statuses' would we like what we see in those few short sentences?

Emma and Josh did what most people would have done. Act first, think later. Emma's (at times) foolish actions caused some major repercussions for her future. There were times where I just wanted to grab her and scream "STOP IT!". Asher and Mackler did a fantastic job with creating these simple yet bold characters.

Jay Asher's and Carolyn Mackler's writing style blended together perfectly. They each gave the novel a personal touch.

The Future of Us was a book that I was anxiously anticipating and was thrilled to finally start reading. The end result was I didn't want it to end. I couldn't put it down and I loved the characters. This book made it's way to my top reads of 2011. A must read!

Last impression: In case the review doesn't say it clearly. Read it...Now!

Friday, November 25, 2011

Q: It’s Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. so we want to know what you are Thankful for – blogging related of course! Who has helped you out along the way? What books are you thankful for reading?

A: Happy be-lated Thanksgiving to all my US friends and bloggers! I am of course thankful for all the other book blogs out there(every single one!) because each book blog motivated me to make mine the best I can make it to be. Fellow bloggers and readers sculpted The Crazy Bookworm. I am also thankful for all the authors I have met and befriended along the way. What an unexpected pleasure that is!

I love historical YA novels because I feel they may shine light on something that someone didn't know much about. It make spark a new passion for reading!

Happy Hoppin'! Leave your link in the comments so I can hop back.

Q: When You're Not Reading: What occupies your time when your nose isn't stuck in a book?

A: I work full time as a manager at a independent bookstore in my city. So I am always surrounded by books...and LOVE IT! I also do dog grooming on the side, so I take appointments on whenever I can so I can spend time with my other favourite thing, dogs.

My fiance and I own 3 dogs ourselves so they like to occupy a lot of our time. We love taking them for long walks, runs or even just a car ride.

And of course, family! I am a 18 month old neice that I love spending time with.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

Sixteen years after a deadly virus wiped out most of Earth’s population, the world is a perilous place. Eighteen-year-old Eve has never been beyond the heavily guarded perimeter of her school, where she and two hundred other orphaned girls have been promised a future as the teachers and artists of the New America. But the night before graduation, Eve learns the shocking truth about her school’s real purpose—and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Arden, her former rival from school, and Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust . . . and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

“You can love anyone. Love is just caring about someone very deeply. Feeling like that person matters to you, like your whole world would be sadder without them in it.” -Eve

I have just recently begun reading the Dystopian novels, and it is a genre I have enjoyed exploring so far! When I first heard about Eve, I could not wait to get my hands on it.

The book starts off 15 years after the plague has already wiped out millions of people. We are introduced to Eve and her safe little cocoon of a "boarding school". It is graduation night and when Eve thinks she is about to set off, learn her trade and live her life to the fullest, she is sadly mistaken. She learns very early on the true horrors that await her, and she does the most terrifying thing known to her. She leaves.

One thing the author didn't do was sugarcoat anything. Her writing was raw and honest. She wrote the realistic life that would await you if a plague would take hold and rock the earth. There was blood and gore. The were moments of complete madness and then there were others that were beautifully vulnerable.

Anna Carey painted such a vivid picture with her haunting settings and bold characters that I couldn't help but devour the novel. I was hooked! And Can I talk about Caleb for a second? He was so swoon worthy! He was written as a wild character. Messy hair, dirty clothes, riding horses. But he was fully equipped with a hilarious sense of humour and a sensitive side to match.

Eve was a total win for me! The heart pounding storyline made for a thrilling read. And the wait for Book #2 is going to be a tough one!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Q:Giving Thanks: Which books are you most thankful for receiving from other bloggers, friends, family members, or publishers?

A: This is a great question! Although I could go on and on, I will narrow it down to 2 books.

This is one of the most heartbreaking, yet beautiful stories about the World War 2 era that I have EVER read. And I am very greatful to Ruta Sepetys(the author) who gave me the opportunity to read this novel as an arc, and to have the chance to speak with her about this novel.

You can find my review and interview located in my archives.

Sandra Edwards is one of the first authors I befriended. She is such a kind, down to earth person and I am so lucky to have the opportunity to know such an incredible writer and to call her my friend. Incredible Dreams is a stunning historical romance that transported me to the 1940's and gave me an escape from day to day life. A true gem of a novel.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Fantasy: 304 PagesPublisher: Samhain PublisherPublished: February 1st, 2011Series: Eden Trilogy #1Source: Review copy from authorBuy the Book: AmazonFind the Author: WebsiteFirst Impression: They say not to judge a book by it's cover...but how could I not with this one?!

Whore…gift…and unexpected ally. In Dagran society, Alex is the lowest of the low—a “mare”, an object to be used by the nobility. When her owner, Stephen Garnath, gifts her to his greatest rival, she begins plotting her path to freedom. Nothing and no one will ever control her again. Not her degrading past, and certainly not her growing attraction to a man reputed to be an even crueler master than Garnath. Robert Demeresna is instantly suspicious of such a generous gift. Yet she comes to him armed with only her sharp mind—a potent weapon he can use to defend his people from the enemy. And underneath, an unbreakable spirit that besieges the walls of his heart. Slowly, Robert chips away at Alex’s defenses, striking sparks that make her begin to believe even a lowly whore like her could be worthy of him. Until Garnath springs a trap so cleverly hidden, war is unleashed before either of them sees it coming. A new kind of war fought with steam engines, explosives—and magic with a killing edge…

I have never been much of a Fantasy reader. I have only read a few of them, but could never really get into the genre. However, Before the Storm was a completely different story!

I know I talk about Character Development a lot in my reviews, because I think it is one of the most important aspects of a book. Yes, you can have a great story, and a magical setting, but if your characters are dull, and lack personality then I'm not going to be able to connect with them and full enjoy the book. Marian Perera DID NOT skimp out on the Characters, in fact, I believe they were the strongest qualities about the book. I adored Alex, she was such a unique and feisty character.

Not only did the author deliver fantastic characters but the world she built inside the pages was enchanting. I got through the first 50 pages at ease, but once I passed that mark, I simply couldn't put the book down. I was hooked!

Stepping out my comfort zone isn't always easy for me, but this one definitely proved to me why I do it, so I can discover books like this one. If I hadn't given it a try, I would have missed out...big time!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Question of the Week: In light of 11.11.11 and Veteran’s Day tell us about your favorite soldier and how he or she is saving the world. Fictional or real life.

Answer:This is an easy question for me. My Dad. My Dad fought in the African-Portuguese war in the 60's when he was just 16 years old. Africa was fighting for Portugal's independence, and my dad was trying to defend his country(Portugal). He saw things that no 16 year old...no person should ever see or do. He is my favourite solider and always will be!

Be sure to check out the current giveaway going on right now. Linked above this post!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Hittin' the Shelves is a new monthly feature hear at The Crazy Bookworm. An official image is on it's way. Clicking on the images will bring you directly to amazon where you can add it to your wishlist or pre-order!

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra ClareIn the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends. With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.Dec. 6th, 2011

Pretty Little Liars #10: Ruthless by Sara ShepardFor years scandal has rocked Rosewood, Pennsylvania—and high school seniors Aria, Emily, Hanna, and Spencer have always been at the center of the drama. They’ve lost friends, been targeted by a ruthless stalker named A, and narrowly escaped death. And it’s not over yet.

Aria’s love life is on the fritz. Emily’s exploring her wild side. Hanna’s kissing the enemy. And someone from Spencer’s past—someone she never thought she’d see again—is back to haunt her.

Dec. 6th, 2011But none of that compares to what happened last spring break. It’s their darkest secret yet and guess who found out? Now A is determined to make them pay for their crime, and the only thing scarier than A is the fear that maybe, just maybe, they deserve what’s coming to them.

Wintertown by Stephen EmondEvery winter, straight-laced, Ivy League bound Evan looks forward to a visit from Lucy, a childhood pal who moved away after her parent's divorce. But when Lucy arrives this year, she's changed. The former "girl next door" now has chopped dyed black hair, a nose stud, and a scowl. But Evan knows that somewhere beneath the Goth, "Old Lucy" still exists, and he's determined to find her... even if it means pissing her off. Dec. 5th, 2011

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Young Adult: 370 PagesPublisher: Putnam JuvenilePublished: September 29th, 2011Source: From publisherSeries: Shades of LondonBuy the Book:AmazonFind the Author: Website First Impression: London, England and Boarding school...Need I say more?!

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

I have always been fascinated with 19th Century England. Not only do I love learning about that era but the history of Jack the Ripper has always been an interest of mine.

The Name of the Star starts off with the first murder, and the similarities send a "Ripper Effect" all over modern day London, leaving new student, Rory smack dab in the middle of it.

I absolutely loved the vivid world Maureen Johnson depicted in this novel. Not only did I get the London Atmosphere that I love, she gave it a haunting new look. I couldn't get through a chapter without my spine tingling. She took beautiful London, and added the murderous touch flawlessly.

Rory was a hilarious character. Her witty, sarcastic humour had me laughing out loud throughout the entire novel. Her character added a lighter side to the darkness of the novel. I also loved that the author sprinkled in a little romance as well. It made for a very entertaining read!

The Name of the Star packs a lot of punch, but it is paced out perfectly. I can't wait for book #2!

Last Impression: A murderous good time with a wicked paranormal twist!

Monday, November 7, 2011

November 5th, 2011. It was a beautiful, crisp autumn day and 38 book-crazed bloggers were at The Duke of York chatting all things books!

This past Saturday was the very first Ontario Book Blogger Meet up. I have known about this event since early September, and I tell ya...I couldn't wait!! Immediately walking inside the Duke of York I met one of my favourite bloggers, Rhiannon from The Diary of a Bookworm and was so happy to finally meet her in person and chat with her for a bit.

(Left: Rhiannon. Right: Me!)

Then we received some AWESOME goodies which were included on my In My Mailbox post. That will surely keep my busy during those cold winter months!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

I had the pleasure of attending the Ontario Blog Squad meet up this weekend, although I couldn't stay as long as I wanted too, it was so much fun meeting my favourite book bloggers in person and chatting up with them. We also received so awesome goodies! Please stay tuned for my official post about it!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Linda Poitevin was born and raised in B.C., Canada’s westernmost province. Growing up in an era when writing was “a nice hobby, dear, but what are you going to do for a living?”, Linda worked at a variety of secretarial jobs before applying to be a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Due to an error in measurement, however, she was turned down when she didn’t meet the height requirement of that time. Undeterred, Linda became a civilian member in the force and was a dispatcher for two and a half years, during which time she met her husband, a police officer...

Tell us 3 random things about yourself.

My favorite color is blue. I played baritone saxophone in my high school band. One day, I want to live beside water.

In and around there, our youngest daughter has Air Cadets twice a week and church once a week, hubby has Tae Kwon Do once a week, and I try to have coffee with at least one friend.

Sins of the Angels has such a unique premise! What came first for you: The idea for the story or the characters?

The characters, I think...though it all kind of just blended together, with the story evolving as I wrote the characters. I like to say that I’m just telling their story as they tell it to me, but my husband says that makes me sound…odd, lol!

What inspired you to make the Grigori series? A song by Sarah McLachlan was the original inspiration. Angel has a line in it, “You’re safe in the arms of the angel, may you find some comfort there,” that made me wonder about whether an angel’s arms really would be safe…or if they might actually be a really scary place to find yourself. J

Alexandra is a bold, independent character. Was she an easy character to write? She really was. I’ve known a lot of female cops over the years, and she’s kind of a blend of many of them. Very professional and with a tough exterior, but still very human on the inside.

Did you come across any challenges while writing Sins of the Angels?

Writing it was a challenge in and of itself, lol. The book took 10 years from start to finish, mostly because life had this habit of getting in the way, *sigh*. I was raising a family, homeschooling my youngest daughter, working at freelance writing…finding the time, let alone the brainpower, to be creative was sometimes just beyond my capacity. But—and this is important!—I never gave up.

What is your ideal writing environment?

I’ve given up on ideals, to be honest. I’ve created more writing corners in my house than I can count, and each time I seem to lose it to other family needs, lol. I did briefly have an office with a door when one daughter moved out, but then she moved back again…now my desk is in the dining room. I’m just happy if I can have the house to myself for a few hours a day!

Do you have any writing must haves? (i.e. music, snacks, etc)

Music, both because it blocks out external noises and keeps me focused, and because I find it a powerful creative tool, helping me to really immerse myself in my characters’ emotions. What authors have been most influential to your writing? I think every author I’ve ever read has influenced me. I’ve read widely in many genres, and I think my subconscious has absorbed lessons (both good and bad) from just about every book.

If you could invite any 5 people to dinner(dead or alive, fact or fiction) who would you invite?

What book are on your 'To be Read' list that you can't wait to get to?

Right now I have Erin Kellison’s Shadow Fall and Shadowman waiting for me; I just finished Mike Mullin’s Ashfall and can’t wait for Ash Winter to come out; and I am dying for Jim Butcher’s Ghost Story to come out in paperback!

Thank you so much, Linda! It is a pleasure having you.

Cathy, thank you for having me to visit today! I’ve had a wonderful time, and if your readers have anything else they’d like to ask me, I’d be happy to answer.

Welcome!

Hi! I'm Cathy and I'm the creator of this little space on the internet. By day, I am a Yoga instructor and by night I am an avid reader and a book blogger.

Like all book bloggers, I created this website to have a platform to rant or rave about the latest book I just read, book trends, and more! As much as this space is for me, it is for you! I work to better this little website every day so you enjoy your visit!